Sophie Chandauka, chairwoman of Sentebale, accused Prince Harry of “harassment and bullying” after he and others quit the charity. She claimed Harry released damaging news without informing her, affecting the organization. A source said the resignations were expected and aimed at benefiting the charity. Chandauka suggested Harry and Prince Seeiso wanted to force a failure to later rescue the charity. Tensions reportedly arose from her efforts to shift decision-making to southern Africa. Harry expressed shock over his decision to leave the charity he co-founded in 2006. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 5:30 pm
Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader, faces potential disqualification from future presidential elections if found guilty of embezzlement. Such a verdict could be seen as a “political death” and might provoke a political crisis, highlighting tensions in the French Fifth Republic. While prosecutors emphasize the rule of law, some politicians fear a ban could undermine democracy by appearing biased against the hard right. Le Pen has shifted her party, now the National Rally, towards the mainstream, making it the largest in the National Assembly with 123 seats. Penelope Kingsley 30/03/2025 5:30 pm
A test launch of the unmanned Spectrum rocket by German start-up Isar Aerospace exploded 40 seconds after takeoff from Norway’s Andoya Spaceport. Despite the explosion, the company deemed the test a success, citing data collection and validation of their Flight Termination System. This marked the first orbital launch attempt from mainland Europe, excluding Russia, and was primarily privately funded. The launch had faced delays due to weather, and expectations were managed, with no intent to reach orbit. The European Space Agency, separate from Isar, typically launches from French Guiana and Florida. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 5:30 pm
Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update mocked the Trump administration for accidentally adding The Atlantic’s editor to a Signal chat detailing military plans. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz took responsibility for the error, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied sharing war plans, despite the White House confirming the chat’s authenticity. Colin Jost joked about the administration’s texting skills and compared Hegseth to Forrest Gump, humorously highlighting the chaotic situation. Waltz’s job remains secure as Trump avoids giving Democrats a perceived victory. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 5:30 pm
A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the South Pacific Ocean near Tonga, prompting a brief “Tsunami Threat” warning. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System indicated possible tsunami waves within 190 miles of the epicenter, including Tonga’s coastlines. An all-clear was issued an hour later, as no tsunami materialized. The quake occurred at 1:18 a.m. Tonga time, 49 miles southeast of Pangai. Tsunamis, caused by large underwater earthquakes, can lead to dangerous flooding and currents. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 5:30 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military pressure on Hamas is effective, as operations against Hamas are being increased. Israel’s Operation Strength and Sword has intensified strikes on Gaza, with four military forces operating in the region. Netanyahu emphasized the dual strategy of weakening Hamas and creating conditions for hostage release. He also discussed Gaza’s future, suggesting Hamas disarmament and voluntary emigration under the Trump Plan. However, criticism arose from a hostage’s mother, questioning the government’s commitment to securing hostages’ return. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 2:00 pm
Prince Harry lost a venue for his charity Sentebale’s Polo Challenge in Miami after requesting to bring a Netflix crew, according to charity chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka. The venue owner deemed it a commercial event, leading to unaffordable terms. A new venue was secured for April 2024, but the event faced scrutiny over Meghan Markle’s presence and stage choreography issues. Chandauka expressed excitement for the replacement event despite the challenges. Penelope Kingsley 30/03/2025 2:00 pm
“Saturday Night Live” returned with a skit satirizing a Signal group chat involving Trump officials and The Atlantic’s editor. The chat, set up by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, who exposed the discussion about military actions in Yemen. In “SNL”‘s parody, teenage girls, played by cast members, were confused by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s texts about airstrikes. The skit humorously highlighted the absurdity of the situation, with Hegseth nervously realizing he was in the wrong chat. Noah Prescott 30/03/2025 2:00 pm
In Martinique, tourists enjoy natural beauty, but locals face high prices and poor services, sparking protests. Water issues highlight class and race tensions, with the Békés, white creole families, controlling much of the economy. The government promised reforms, including legislation to address high grocery prices, but skepticism remains. Overseas Minister Manuel Valls urged business transparency and announced upcoming laws against anti-competitive practices. Activists, some advocating for independence, plan further protests, especially around an upcoming trial of three protesters. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 10:30 am
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apologized for not adequately supporting Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, who was attacked by Israeli settlers and arrested by the Israeli army. Initially, the Academy’s statement did not mention Ballal or his Oscar-winning film, “No Other Land.” After online protests, the Academy issued a more explicit apology, acknowledging Ballal and condemning violence. Co-director Yuval Abraham criticized the Academy for initially declining to support Ballal, citing internal pressures and the broader context of the attack. Ava Sinclair 30/03/2025 10:30 am
